Manning Valley and Great Lakes residents can share the spirit of Christmas at Woolworths Forster, Taree and Tuncurry by purchasing a special OzHarvest token for 50 cents to help provide a meal for an Australian in need.

As Woolworths’ National Fresh Food Rescue Partner, OzHarvest supports more than 1,000 charitable agencies across the country helping to feed vulnerable Australians.

With the support of a regular supply of surplus fresh food from Woolworths stores across the country and from other donors, for as little as 50 cents OzHarvest can deliver a meal to someone who needs it most.

More than 3.6 million Australians currently experience food insecurity each year and many agencies across NSW and the ACT require double the food to meet demand. There has also been a 10 percent increase of people in NSW and the ACT seeking food relief over the past year.

“For many families in Australia, Christmas will not mean a nourishing meal and an abundance of joy. Thanks to the Woolworths OzHarvest Christmas Appeal we can make sure good food gets to those in need over festive season and throughout the year ahead,” OzHarvest NSW State manager, Alicia Kirwan said.

“This year we are focused on sharing the spirit of Christmas with our customers and our local community,” Woolworths Forster, Taree and Tuncurry group manager Craig Feuz said.

“For just 50 cents customers can play their part in sharing that spirit beyond their families and friends and help provide a meal for someone this festive season and support the growing need for hunger relief across the region,” he said.

All customers need to do is add a 50 cent meal donation to their shopping at Woolworths Forster, Taree and Tuncurry or online. By placing their name on any tokens purchased and hanging them on the Christmas tree in store, they can share the spirit of Christmas. The more tokens purchased, the more meals OzHarvest can provide to help feed Australians in need.

The Woolworths OzHarvest Christmas Appeal hopes to raise $1 million for the food rescue organisation, which can provide two million meals for families in need. Last year, Woolworths customers raised over $750,000, enough for 1.5 million meals.

Woolworths has partnered with OzHarvest since 2015 to help reduce food waste by providing surplus fresh food from their supermarkets to Aussies who would otherwise go without.